Our Team
Kimberly Stevenson
Kimberly Stevenson has dreamed of running her own dance school since she was a young student in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. She has been the founder and instructor of The Happening Dance Studio since 2013 starting off in a small live/work space just off Main Street on Scotia and 4th ave. The Happening now has expanded to two studios adjacent to each other, has twelve employees, and over 500 students that come in and out of the doors 7 days a week.
Kimberly trained and studied for three years to become a certified & qualified ADAPT jazz and tap instructor, and soon moved away from Saskatchewan to pursue her formal studies in dance performance and choreography. Kimberly earned a diploma from Alberta’s Grant MacEwan College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University.
Kimberly is not only a qualified dance instructor, but also a professional dance artist who continues to seek performance opportunities. She has trained under Hofesh Shechter Company in London England and under Batsheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv Israel participating in extensive workshops involving training in Gaga technique and learning company repertoire. Kimberly has had the honour to perform professionally for Serge Bennathan, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, Kate Franklin, Gail Lotenberg, Daisy Thompson, Katie DeVries, Kokoro Dance Theatre, Rob Kitsos, Shauna Elton, and Deanna Peters. She has also been the choreographer for the East Van Panto: Snow White & The Seven Dwarves (2017/2018) and for The Vancouver Canadians well known grounds crew for the 2017/2018/2019 & 2022 Seasons.
Kimberly along with her husband Juan Sotelo Morales absolutely loves living in the Mount Pleasant area and the community that surrounds us. Kim is loving her newest role of being a mom to Yani and Mateo Sotelo!
Founder, Creative Director, & Instructor
Juan Sotelo
Juan is The Happening’s behind-the-scenes superhero. Originally from Mexico City, Juan met Kimberly Stevenson in Vancouver in 2017, and together they have a beautiful family with their two kids, Yani and Mateo. Juan has always been an avid supporter of The Happening and quite literally helped build it from the ground up.
Today, Juan is the reason the studio runs as smoothly as it does. As the go-to for maintenance, dance props, logistics, and transportation, he keeps the space clean, organized, and fully functioning. Juan is The Happening’s ultimate problem-solver —always working behind the scenes to make sure everything (and everyone) is taken care of.
Logistics and Transportation Manager
Kria Wall
Kria is the Studio Manager at The Happening, supporting the day-to-day operations of the space and the incredible artists, educators, and community that bring it to life. With a background in music performance, arts education, and administration, Kria brings a unique blend of creativity, organization, and heart to the studio environment.
They hold a Diploma and Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, and have worked extensively as a vocalist, composer, and educator in Vancouver’s arts scene. Over the years, Kria has developed expertise in arts programming, team coordination, and community outreach through their work. They are passionate about building inclusive, empowering spaces where creativity and community can thrive through knowledge, equity, and compassion.
Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Kria has been living on xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) lands for the past twelve years. You’ll find them on-site five days a week—cheering on our dancers, helping things run smoothly, and always happy to connect. When they’re not at the studio, Kria is an eclectic hobbyist who loves to knit, write crosswords, cook elaborate meals, and tend to their ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Studio Manager
Veronica Johns
Veronica is the Studio Assistant at The Happening, working alongside Lauren and Kria to support Kim and The Happening community operationally and administratively. She is also a Teacher Assistant to Chris Bonus for this season’s competitive Hip Hop teams.
Having graduated from The Happening’s Season 12, Veronica was a dancer at The Happening for seven seasons, and was a competitive dancer for three. Veronica was born and raised in Vancouver, and is currently a student in the UBC Faculty of Arts studying English Literature. She has so much passion for both dance and the Happening community, and is extremely grateful and excited to continue to be immersed in this world at The Happening.
Studio Assistant
Kaytia Kostersky
Born into a dance family, Kaytia Kostersky began her dance training at the age of 1.5 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Throughout her training and competing in all genres of dance, she participated in RAD and ADAPT exams, having achieved the prestigious ARAD status as well as accomplishing her Advanced ADAPT, the highest level in both syllabi. She began the Teachers Training program in 2013 and has been teaching ever since.
Upon graduating from high school, Kaytia was accepted into the Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Centre and following the year long program, she began studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. She has since completed her Bachelors of Kinesiology and Masters of Physical Therapy, and now works as a physiotherapist at 2 private clinics, one of which is specialized in paediatrics. Kaytia has completed her TTS Certification through A.D.A.P.T as well as her Acrobatic Arts Certification, and loves being a part of the Happening family.
Ballet & Acro, Acro, Jazz & Tap
Catherine discovered dance in her teens, and was immediately hooked. She began her training with ballet and jazz, and discovered contemporary dance at the Grant MacEwan College Dance program in 2000, where she received her Dance Diploma and was awarded several scholarships and bursaries. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Contemporary Dance in 2005 from Simon Fraser University, and graduated in the top 5% of her class.
Catherine studied pioneering modern dance techniques like Graham and Cunningham, with original Graham company member Judith Garay, and Cunningham from original company member Megan Walker-Straight. She has performed with contemporary dance companies such as Mascall Dance, Sirenscrossing UK, and with numerous independent artists in Vancouver. She has toured as a professional dancer throughout Canada, the US, and Europe. In 2013 she was awarded a Canada Council Grant to perform in Sweden at the Fallensdager Festival as a guest artist for the third time with Sirenscrossing.
Catherine became a certified Pilates Mat Work instructor in 2008 at The Space, and was certified to teach Progressing Ballet Techniquein 2019. Catherine has taught for pre-professional training divisions at RNB Dance and Theatre arts, The Caulfield School of Dance, and The Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts. She loves the art of dance improvisation, and the practice of asking questions just as much as she loves a sweaty technique class. She also enjoys creative writing, and studies yoga. Catherine comes from a long line of educators and strongly believes in maintaining a creative and curious mind. She has been teaching dance for over 20 years, and she absolutely loves her job.
Contemporary & Ballet
Catherine Andersen
Nicole Pavia
Born and raised in West Kelowna, Nicole started training in gymnastics at four years old. After competing in gymnastics for several years she chose to shift her time and energy towards dance, using gymnastics as a foundation for her movement. She trained at Lake Country School of Dance studying jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and lyrical with mentors Heather Dotto, Paul Otterbien, Sabrina Phillips, Liz Tookey, Loretta Lachner, and Vicki View. In 2017, Nicole performed with Team Canada Hip Hop and was a soloist at the IDO World Championships. Overtime, her interest in contemporary dance expanded, leading her to train with Modus Operandi (under the direction of Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond, and Kate Franklin) in Vancouver BC. Nicole is in her graduating year of Modus Operandi and has successfully been awarded two Training Scholarships from BC Arts Council. Through her education, Nicole has had the opportunity to learn from choreographers Vanessa Goodman, Idan Cohen, Billy Marchenski, Josh Beamish, Shay Kuebler, and many other artists from the dance community. Nicole has performed works by Alanna Kraajeveld, Company 605, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Kate Franklin, and Justine Chambers through Modus Operandi. Nicole is now a company member with Radical System Art and has performed internationally as a company member.
Contemporary & Jazz
Emily Wildeman
Emily Wildeman is a Vancouver-based choreographer, performer, actor, and dance educator whose work spans film, television, theatre, and live entertainment. A graduate of Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program, she continues to work professionally while teaching dancers of all ages throughout the Lower Mainland. Emily is also the founder of Wildecard, a dance education initiative focused on providing meaningful training, mentorship, and industry insight for the next generation of dancers.
Her choreography credits include Assistant Choreographer for The Young People, multiple Mattel Barbie productions, the Run N Gun Film Festival, and the upcoming musical Ride the Cyclone. Performance credits include a supporting lead role in a DramaBox original series, Riverdale, Julie and the Phantoms, corporate performances for BMW, the CFL, and numerous commercials, music videos, and web series.
Emily believes the strongest teachers are those who never stop learning. Her teaching philosophy, “high expectations and soft landings,” is rooted in the belief that dancers thrive when they are both challenged and supported. She strives to create a positive environment where dancers feel safe to take risks, build confidence, and discover their own unique artistic voice.
Jazz, Ballet, & Broadway
Mackenzie Tenta
My name is Mackenzie Tenta and I grew up in Invermere BC where I trained and competed in various dance styles; hip hop quickly became my favorite style. My teaching experience began at a young age when I coached and created choreography for competitive hip hop students in Invermere, and developed a dance fit program at the local seniors home. Since coming to Vancouver, I coach the competitive hip hop team at Gladstone Secondary School and teach a drop-in hip hop class at the Space- House of Performing Arts.
I have competed with the team Nonstop at several competitions such as World of Dance Summit, Release Dance Competition and Artists Emerge. Currently, I am with Higher Ground Dance Company where we train in freestyle and street styles such hip hop, breaking, popping, locking, and many more. Recently, I have battled with Higher Ground at the events Massive Monkeys and One for the City.
My goal as an instructor is to create a positive and high energy environment to challenge students and facilitate growth; I am very excited to continue to share my love of dance with the community!
Hip Hop
Julia Bose
Julia Bose is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher, born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. Throughout her childhood, she explored many different dance disciplines such as Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. However, Hip Hop / Choreography quickly took hold, and has since taken her to new heights both locally and internationally.
Over the years, Julia has performed in Las Vegas, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Montreal, at world renowned Street Dance events. After making the move to Vancouver, Julia competed with TwoFourSeven Company, where their emotional BodyRock win caught the attention of the producers for “America’s Got Talent”. They were flown to California to perform for the show, and try their luck with the judges. This experience opened up the door to the TV / Film world, which Julia is currently pursuing (credits include Riverdale, Motherland, and Another Life), along with music videos, live performances, and sharing her passion with students of all ages and levels. Julia’s magnetic and nurturing teaching style, coupled with her knowledge of Hip Hop foundation / history, musicality, and industry experience, has made her a sought after instructor and choreographer in Vancouver and beyond.
Hip Hop Line
Sevrin Emnacen-Boyd
Sevrin “Sevi” Emnacen-Boyd is a half Filipino b-boy, all-styles dancer, and an enthusiast of all things rhythmic and expressive. Seeking to push forward the vibrant spirit of the Vancouver street dance scene, Sevi’s style has become attuned to musical details and movements uncommonly explored in breaking. As an active member of the Vancouver street dance community since 2006, Sevi has sought to play a prominent role in building what is quickly becoming a prominent force in the local art scene. He has organized a number of youth dance battles with the City of Surrey and currently judges, performs, and teaches across Canada. Sevi is also a renown competitor in the international breakdance scene and has traveled to many creative corners of the world including Amsterdam, Tokyo, New York City, and Manila. He is currently an active member in the Now Or Never Crew, Scndrlz, and Think Twice Japan.
Breaking
Oh Augustine
Oh Augustine (formerly known as Oksana) is an emerging contemporary dance artist/teacher/choreographer, currently based on the unceded and occupied Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh, xwməθkwəy̓ əm, and səl̓ ílwətaʔ lands. After completing one year in ITP and one year in The Source Dance Company, Oh trained with Modus Operandi for four years, completing their post secondary contemporary dance education. They have had the opportunity to partake in rehearsal process with Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Shay Kuebler RSA, Khoudia Toure, Chimerik 似不 像 Collective, Okam's Racer, Co.ERASGA, danielle Mackenzie Long, and Zahra Shahab among others, as well as performed in the EDAM Spring Choreographic Series in 2022. Oh’s work as a choreographer mainly focuses on neurodivergence, gender exploration, spirituality, and sensation. Their work has been showcased in 12 Minutes Max, Boombox Split Screen, The Happening Accelerate 4.0 alongside Kate Franklin, Chalk It Up!, and Studio Salon Series to name a few. As a teacher, they frequently teach at MO Link Program, TSV Working Class, The Source Dance Company, and multiple studios across BC. Currently, Oh has been working as a choreographer in an original play “Tomboy” written by Anais West. Additionally, Oh has won multiple choreography awards at competitions from 2012-2024, is a recipient of the Training Society of Vancouver Scholarship in 2022, and has received the BC Arts Council Training Grant in 2019.
Contemporary
Chris Bonus
Chris Bonus is a dancer & choreographer from Vancouver, BC. He is an alumni and former director/choreographer of TwoFourSeven Company and has competed at prestigious competitions such as Hip-Hop Internationals, Body Rock, VIBE, and World of Dance. Recently, his choreography was featured on Canada’s Got Talent under TwoFourSeven. Chris is also the director & co-producer of SOUNDS In A Dark Room; a live dance production that features some of Vancouver’s most talented industry, competitive, and street dancers. You can find Chris teaching and mentoring many dancers across not only BC but throughout Canada.
Hip Hop Teams
Kristina Linden is a multi-genre choreographer, movement director, educator, and performer whose passion for the stage began at the age of eight after seeing Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!. That moment sparked a lifelong journey in dance and theatre that has evolved to include teaching, choreography, and movement direction across musical theatre, film, and television. At the heart of her work lies a constant: a deep desire to inspire the next generation, just as she was once inspired.
A career highlight includes performing as a principal dancer in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. She also opened for Grammy Award-winning artist Mýa and has appeared in television series such as The X-Files, Hellcats, Once Upon a Time, Riverdale, and Psych. Her screen work includes appearances in music videos for Michael Bublé. On stage, Kristina has performed in acclaimed productions including West Side Story, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Singin’ in the Rain, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She has also been featured as a tap dancer at the Vancouver Spring Show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre’s 90th Anniversary Celebration.
Kristina’s international training has empowered her to nurture emerging talent with care and excellence. Her students have earned national recognition at The Dance Awards and New York City Dance Alliance and are consistently working in television, film, and professional theatre. A former Artistic Director of TapCo (Vancouver Tap Dance Society), Kristina currently serves as the head coach and choreographer for the Team Canada West Tap Team and leads the tap and musical theatre programs at A3 District in Burnaby, BC. She also teaches at Harbour Dance Centre and has taught at the Vancouver International Tap Festival, and Calgary’s Rhythm, Body, and Soul Festival.
In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Kristina is the co-founder of The Artist’s Atelier, a collective dedicated to elite training and holistic career development for emerging artists. Through this initiative, she helps foster sustainable, long-term careers by empowering performers with the tools, mentorship, and mindset needed to thrive on stage and screen.
Through all her work on stage, behind the scenes, and in the studio, Kristina remains devoted to shaping resilient, authentic performers prepared to thrive in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Tap
Kristina Linden
Trinity Beattie
Trinity Beattie is a versatile hip hop dancer, choreographer and instructor whose movement is grounded in authentic street foundations—from dancehall and house to old-school hip hop. A dancer since the age of three, she stepped into her first teaching opportunity at sixteen and instantly fell in love with guiding others. Her training has taken her across North America, learning from top choreographers and mentors while continuously expanding her artistry and knowledge. Trinity’s professional career includes standout moments such as performing as a backup dancer in a sold-out arena for an audience of over 19,000 people.
Today, Trinity teaches, performs, and choreographs with a style that fuses strong fundamentals with her signature focus on dynamics, musicality, character, groove, and visual storytelling. She’s passionate about preparing the next generation for the professional dance world, offering a gentle yet encouraging environment where students feel safe to take risks, explore movement, and unlock parts of themselves they didn’t know were there.
Hip Hop
Natasha Gorrie
Natasha has been part of the Vancouver street dance scene since a young age. Her first brush with street dance was when her mother taught her how to do the running man in the living room of their home. Natasha’s mother was a self-taught freestyle dancer with a huge passion for new jack swing. So, naturally, Natasha loves to freestyle and share with her community and host and facilitate community events. She is passionate about traveling to broaden her vocabulary and knowledge in dance. Dance has allowed Natasha to travel, teach, perform, battle, and live worldwide, such as in India, Nederland, China, the USA, etc.
Natasha is a rare talent that has managed to excel in the professional dance industry while building a well-known and respected reputation in the underground dance community across Canada and worldwide.
Natasha is the Founder & Director of Higher Ground Dance Company. This company is training based, focusing on freestyle and foundation in Hip Hop, popping, breaking & locking. Together as a group, they go to battles to implement that training.
Hip Hop
Jamie Ranney
Jamie Ranney is a contemporary dance artist currently practicing on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nations. Jamie grew up in Ontario, training in ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and contemporary with Jo Read School of Dance. After moving to Vancouver in 2019, Jamie trained with Modus Operandi for four years under the direction of Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond, and Kate Franklin. In 2024, Jamie trained with EDAM through their contact improvisation scholarship. Other experiences highly influencing Jamie’s practice include her participation in the Croft Residency in Northern Michigan and the Koumaria Residency in Sellasia, Greece. Through both, she created site-specific work based around the natural environment and engagement with local communities. Other choreographic credits include the Vines Art Festival, Chalk It Up!, the London Dance Festival, and the Eaux Claires Music and Art Festival. Via Modus Operandi, Jamie has performed work for Justine Chambers, Alanna Kraaijeveld, Out Innerspace, Zahra Shahab, and Yin Yue among others. Jamie has been teaching acrobatics, contemporary, ballet, and jazz for 9 years, and continues to love sharing her interests, challenges, and inspirations with her students.
Acro
Lavinia de Leeuw
Having found her start in a Dutch baby ballet class at the age of two, Lavi (aka Delusion) grew up training in various technical disciplines before making her way to Street Dance. She is currently a member of Heavy Hittaz, and is mainly present in Vancouver’s battle and choreography scenes but has competed and performed internationally. Though she explores and trains within many styles, Lavi’s main focus is popping with a specialty in animation. She greatly enjoys sharing, exchanging, and collaborating with other artists and aims to continue expanding her historical knowledge and technical ability.
Popping